Modern Day Charm

Current Obessions pt. 1

2011-08-18T17:45:00.000-05:00

Lately I've been really taking notice of the smaller details in order to create ... well create in general I suppose. I've done a lot of redecorating of my little apartment and still have a lot more to do. I've never been much at doing a lot to the places I've lived because (for the most part) I've lived with roomates or it was a temporary situation. Now that I live on my own and have total reign on how I want things to be, it's been a lot of fun going to antique stores and thrift stores and finding that ONE thing that will set everything else in motion. Once everything is a little bit more done, I'm going to be posting a tooon of photos.

So as I've said many times before, I love Nashville so much. Everything about it. The people, my apartment, my friends, my job, the local shops, the thrifting... the peacefulness. It's such a lovely and welcoming place to be. Not to mention homey.

I took this photo at 7 am this morning. This is what I get to see every day just out of my house. Isn't it lovely?

__________________________Thesethingsmakemehappy________________________

So right now my current obsessions are:
- Great vintage shoes! I found these babies for $5. They fit like a gem. Vintage Italian leather. I adore them and wear them with pretty much everything.
- My Canon AE-1. I HAVE to finish the roll in here soon, I'm dying to get it developed.
- I've always loved intricate designs in jewelry that you can still wear with a t-shirt and jeans. This one is my current favorite.
- I've been collecting green glass. It's makes my heart melt.
- Carrying a small journal on me keeps me motivated.
- Bergamote! It's been my favorite scent for a few months now. Yummmm.
- Lipstick - Duh!
- One of my favorite "work" watches.
- Dried Flowers.
- I've always collected old postcards. This one is my favorite. There is so much I find intriguing about them. I found it in St. Louis and it's from the town that I grew up (Muskegon Michigan). 1946. I wish postage was still 1c.

Listen to good music.

About Rest

2011-08-17T17:28:00.000-05:00

(click to view larger)

Do you ever feel like you have to be commanded to rest? Like, some military sergeant screaming in your face telling you take it easy?

Being in a profession that is consistently following timing and persistence usually trickles into daily life. I am a planner. I have a really hard time not having my entire day planned out (usually down to even exact eating times, gym times, etc etc... it's pretty bad, haha). Without having all of these plans and schedules, I feel like I'm constantly forgetting to do something or needing to be somewhere. I don't allow much time to just... REST. The restaurant that I work part time at is temporarily closed for renovation right now. My normal day would be to go from the salon to the restaurant immediately following, but since it's closed, I was able to get out at 2:30. TWO THIRTY! There is so much day left when you get out at 2:30! Of course I ran my errands that I had to have taken care of... and got a speeding ticket (for going over in a school zone... Though, I wasn't in the zone yet when he pulled me over!! bah), and came home and rested. I didn't turn my phone off silent, and I didn't clean my apartment right away like I need to. I just laid down. Ah, so nice.

The Scoop

2011-08-15T23:31:00.001-05:00

I'm back and then I'm gone, I'm back and then I'm gone. Whew!
Obviously I've let my little blog go for quite some time. It's been hard for me to think about updating lately due to how busy things have been and for other reason's I will briefly mention.

I know it's been months and there is so much to say but here's basically a overview.

-I work between 60 - 70 hours a week. I'm back to doing hair and an amazing salon that I absolutely love! The girls are all great and I'm inspired daily. I'm also working as a hostess at a restaurant on some nights and weekends. Most days I leave the house as the sun is rising and finally get home in time to eat and go to bed. Also, both jobs have a dress code of basically black, white and grey so when it comes to my wardrobe, there's not much to be extremely creative with (enough for a fashion blog, at least).

-I've been in Nashville for 1 full year! Can you believe it?! I feel like I just moved here. It just blows my mind. I wish I would have kept up with the blog just to document my last year.

-Part of my disappearing is that I think my blog became something that I did for the wrong reasons. I did it at first because I wanted to merge my love of writing in with my love of photography and fashion.... then overtime, I let it become something that It wasn't. I started having a complex about the reasons of why I wanted to do it. Was I being vain? Why do I need all these pictures of me? Is this a popularity contest? Etc etc... Not that I think that that is what fashion blogging is about, but for my own personal reasons, I decided to step back and see if I was still drawn to it for the reasons I first started blogging for. I don't know if that makes sense.
After much thought, and obviously my love and missing of the blogging world, I want this to be what it is... a personal blog. Whether it's style, or personal... music or inspiration. It's just a blog, and It's mine. Whew... kinda feels good to get that out.

-Also, I'm blonde now. Of course it's different haha. I think I change my hair color more than I buy a new pair of shoes. Speaking of.. I don't really buy "new" anything anymore. Most of my clothes that I've purchased are from vintage shops, or thrift stores. Also, friend exchanges.

I don't really know how often I'll have picture posts just because It's hard to find someone to take them, but I'll be around.

Finally, I've been obsessed with this song. Listen.

Big changes

2011-03-05T10:34:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone! I've done a lot of changes in my life. Big changes. I've actually (along side this one, no... moderndaycharm isn't going anywhere) started a new food blog. I've decided to take a challenge that started almost 2 weeks ago. It's a gluten free, sugar free, dairy free, caffeine free, and alcohol free 30 day challenge. It was supposed to start with my friend Katie and we created a joint blog, but she hasn't started it yet, so all the posts are by me. It's full of rants and raves and recipes!

I was sick for a few months and not getting better and noticed that after I ate certain foods, I would be really bad. I couldn't figure out which foods did it, so I that's when I decided to take this challenge, and boy... do I feel so much better! I can't believe the turn around. I've also been working out vigorously which has been a lot of fun. So if you want to check it out, feel free! I've been having a lot of fun making and finding new blogs and recipes.

I've actually been thinking about continuing after the 30 days because of how I feel. It ends March 20th.

Check it out: glutenfreegoddesses.blogspot.com

Smell the Roses

2011-02-02T12:21:00.001-06:00

Hope you're all fairing well with all this snow that hit everyone! Nashville actually didn't get any. We got a type of monsoon rainstorm and fast winds. I'll take that though. I love seeing your photos though.... Glad I'm not there!

(Top - Swapped, Skirt - F21, Tights - Target, Shoes - UO, Socks - F21, Ribbon - found)

This cozy shirt came from a swap with my friend Rebecca. It was a deary day here in Nashville and I like how the cutesy print made things a little more lovely.

Sometimes I like to stop and see how things have evolved around me and within me from time to time. I think it's a great way to appreciate the things that you have, due to outcome, as well as the things that you've lost. I think it's easy to sit back and think about this in a negative light. Training yourself to think them in a positive light is hard but worth the time and energy. Imagine if things always went your way. Would you be happy? I know I wouldn't be. It's not about how hard you've worked for something and it just to end up as dust, it's about learning about yourself in how you react and how you grow. We find ourselves growing, healing, appreciating, losing, running, fighting, gaining, and reacting... it's all a time of learning. I think it's important to take the blinders off once in a while and just sit and think about how you really feel. I've had a few days like this recently and I've felt really great-full. I know some pretty amazing and talented people that I can learn from and share with. I live in a lovely town, have a great and quaint apartment with two awesome roommates. If you would have even asked me last year if I would be where I am right now, knowing the people I know and doing the things I do, I would have never believed you. Then I think back and I can say that about every year since I turned 17. Change isn't scary but a welcomed idea for me. My mindset has become something of a "why not?" rationality than anything. Life is too short to have every hour planned for you for the next year... or rest of your life.

I found this vintage coach purse at a thrift store on a half off day! A whopping $3!!

Listen to good music and eat good food.
xox
Chandra

Nashlove

2011-01-31T17:31:00.000-06:00

Ever since I've been to Nashville, I've really not gone out of my way to find the gems. For some reason, I've found my favorite places through other people showing me and keep going back. Don't get me wrong, those places are lovely, which is why I frequent them so much... but I've gotten really comfortable with just doing the same things.

Today, Craig and I (the mind behind young whale clothing) had a short amount of time to drive around and try and find some spots to shoot. I was called into work today, so our morning was cut quite a bit. We ended up stumbling upon this wall! It's so awesome. He didn't even know it was there and he's lived here for a while! You gotta appreciate a Willie wall!

(Sweater - F21, Tank - F21, Leggings - H&M, Boots - Thrifted, Faux Fur - H&M)

I love Nashville. It's nothing that is a surprise I'm sure.... but I seriously love this place so much. Art, culture, music... through and through.... this place is saturated with diversity. I love that I can drive downtown and find a wall like this. I love that I'm going to a venue tonight that has 8 awesome bands playing for free for three songs each to "sample" them. I love that it is so easy to meet people here. Love! Love! Love!

I got these boots for $5 at a thrift store!

Thank you all for your views and comments!
xoxo
Chandra

A welcomed break

2011-01-29T15:04:00.002-06:00

I don't know about you all, but 2011 pretty much has ruled in every way possible so far.
This last month has been full of visitors, visits, new food, friends and goals. It's been pretty interesting actually how many lovely lads and ladies I've seen from STL this month. It's been so nice.

My friend Rebecca wanted a quick get away for 24 hours and the only thing we could afford, of course, was STL due to the fact that I knew all free things and had a place to stay. I didn't really tell anyone that I was going to be there except a quick shout out on facebook and twitter because it was a very spontaneous trip as well. It was so much fun and was pressure free. I was able to take her around to all my favorite spots and restaurants. It really is a great city to visit.

Our trip down was a bit crazy. A 4.5 hour drive turned in to 10 hours! It was nuts. There was a "snow storm" here in Nashville and we sat on the highway for 2.5 hours in park and later got backed into and had to wait around for the cops for all the paperwork.

This dress is precious and super comfortable. This is a swap with my friend Jordan. She has the sweetest style.

(Dress - C/O Jordan Carnell by Mine, Sweater - F21, Tights - UO, Boots - UO, Scarf - Unknown, Shrug - Target)

I wanted to use this as a feminine idea with mixed grays.

I got this sweater about a month ago from F21 and I pretty much haven't taken it off since! I love it so much and it is so warm!

This weekend has been/is going to be so nice! Today the temp is 64!!! I love it. The rest of the week is supposed to be high 40's to high 50's too! It's a nice break from how cold it was for a little while there. I love living in the south!

Hope ya'll have a great day, now ya hear!?

xox

Chandra

Current tunes: Stars

Nearing the New Year.

2010-12-30T17:39:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone had a lovely holiday! I can't believe New Years eve is tomorrow! I'm so ready for this year to be done. This year has been so insane! This year has been full of changes, learning discernment of what is healthy and unhealthy for my well being, and being open to new possibilities. The past year I had three different jobs, road tripped, made so many long lasting friendships in Saint Louis, moved to Nashville, made a great group of friends here, started blogging, went to what felt like a million shows, been hurt, loved, broken down, and opened up. I continue to break down walls, but them back up, and break them down again (something I need to work on).

I usually don't make New Years resolutions, but I feel like my list is a mile long this go around. I drew it because it seemed like more fun. These are just a few.

I'm such a goal oriented person that I need to have things to aim for. The most important part is to aim for reasonable things so I don't get overwhelmed. Is anyone else making New Years resolutions this year?

My lovely friend Parker Fitzgerald who calls Portland has been in town twice since I've moved here. He's an amazing photographer (one of my favorites ever... and I'm not afraid to tell him!). He shoots pretty much all 35 mm, Medium Format, or Vintage Polaroids. Throughout this year he has been doing a 365 Polaroid quote project. I've followed his work at least a year and was so excited when he asked me to be a part of it! I wanted to wait to post them so he could put a few up so I could show you all at once. There will be more so keep checking back to his flickr account as well as just checking it out to be inspired.

Here are the Polaroids of me that he's posted so far!

Please go check out is flickr HERE.
Add him on twitter too for regular updates! HERE

Fourth Friday Feature

2010-12-24T11:41:00.001-06:00

Hello Everyone! Merry Seasons Greetings!!! I hope you're all eating more than your body weight and playing games with your grannies. A while back when I relaunched my Blog, I decided I wanted to do things differently than before. I've decided to do a 'Fourth Friday Feature.' Fourth Friday Features will be my favorite blogs due to inspiration and warm fuzzies. They wont all necessarily be fashion blogs, they might be photo blogs, music blogs, or cooking blogs... or anything else that sparks a warm fuzzy or I find inspirational. They will appear on the fourth Friday of every month and this month just happens to fall on Christmas Eve! For my first feature, there was no question who I would feature first. She has been such an amazing motivator for me as well as friend and lovely blogger.

Some of you know that I used to live in Michigan and Tieka and I used to live about 30 min away from each other. We both loved the music scene and I would constantly see her and Brett at shows. We actually didn't start our friendship while I was living there but after I had moved out of state. I've been a follower of her blog since I knew there were fashion blogs. She featured me a while back and has been a constant motivator. We all love her sweet charm and her darling style. How could she not be my first feature!

1) Tieka, your blog has been an inspiration for so many girls for quite a while now, where do you see your blog in the future?

I'm always thinking about this, to be honest! I started my blog with the original thought that it might not always be a personal style blog - but a blog to document my life, my personal style, my marriage and the trips we take and the memories we've had. I think in the future it might turn into something more like a Rockstar Diaries style - where I post more posts about our life instead of trying to constantly take 3-4 outfit shots a week, which can be quite stressful. When I'm a mom (someday in the FAR future), I'm sure there will be posts there too. I'm not trying to define my blog.. just trying to take it a day at a time and see what happens!

2) Did you ever see your blog becoming what it is today? Absolutely not. When I first started my blog, it was intentionally for me to look back on my life - to read about memories, to see photos, to share with my friends and family. When I got into personal style, I thought.. how fun is this concept? So I tried it out and here I am a year later. It's been an amazing process - I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I couldn't be happier with the outcome. It's been a dream come true.

3) What keeps you motivated to keep posting as often as you do in the cold winter months with short days, a new job, and an amazing husband?

The only reason I continue to still blog is because I honestly have so much fun with it. It's a lot of work and maintaining and keeping up with emails and everything else, but I wouldn't spend my spare time any other way. I have a blast styling up outfits, taking photos, going on adventures and documenting it all in my blog. Even if I had no readers, my blog would still be the same way it is today. It's just fun. I always tell new bloggers that are starting up - don't start for fame or followers, you'll never stay motivated. You have to have fun with it!

4) What is on your winter playlist?

Currently I'm in love with some old-school punk rock for some strange reason! I go in fads, but right now I can't stop playing Osker's - Idle Will Kill album! Every single song is amazing.

5) What other passions do you have besides fashion?

I absolutely love graphic design and digital media. When I'm not blogging, I love designing blog layouts, or perusing through design magazines. My job is a huge passion of mine - I'm a graphic designer for a communications company - and I honestly don't mind staying an hour or more longer than I have to or always constantly having design meetings at lunch with co-workers. It's so fun. I also love taking trips with my husband and we also play in a band together - that is a blast. Life is super busy, but because I'm passionate about everything - I'm loving every second.

6) What are your favorite blogs right now?

My favorite blogs right now are Delightfully Tacky, Orchid Grey, Jen Loves Kev, Greer, Fancy Fine, Lulu Letty, Rockstar Diaries.. and of course, Modern Day Charm.

For more from Selective Potential, please read here!

Happy Holidays!!
xo
Chandra

Young Whale

2010-12-18T13:58:00.002-06:00

I just recentely "modeled" for my friend Craig for his clothing line, Young Whale. I love the designs and I love that they can be co-ed! Here are a few shots from the shoot.

Check out his designs Here!

Plus, they're all on sale for only $10!

Rainy Wonderland

2010-12-16T17:30:00.001-06:00

Well Nashville has been feeling a lot like winter lately! I thought the more south I went, the warmer it would be! It's been pretty bitter cold and we even had a pretty bad snow storm the other day. What is nice though is that it melts pretty much that day or the day after that. Today has just been rainy. I like rainy dark days though. It makes me feel inspired... well most times. Sometimes it just makes me want to stay in and watch movies all day.

Today I went to my friend, Craigs house. He has his own clothing line that is fairly new that he wanted me to "model" for. The shirts are so cute and I'm excited to post them once they're done. It was a lot of fun.

I've been trying really hard to get into the Holiday spirit lately. It's hard without the lights and the decorations, but none of my roommates or I are home very often and we're all going to be gone for the holidays so it kinda seemed pointless to go out and spend money on decorations. We've talked about hanging bulbs from our antlers (that I used to display the clutch on my last post), haha. My parents live in Pennsylvania, so I'll be heading there from the 21st - 27th. They always do the real tree and the decorations so I guess I'll get my fix that way.

This time of year makes me become a hugeeee hermit. I can't help it. I love being inside, warm and under blankets. I just got a free trial of Netflix, haha. Lately I've just making dinner, drinking red wine, and either reading or watching movies. Lot's of alone time, which is good for me sometimes.

(Sweater - Delias, Dress (skirt turned dress) - Charlotte Russe, Hat - Forever 21, Scarf - Unknown, Tights - target, Socks - Free People, Boots - swapped)

Every year I think to myself that I really need to invest in some rain boots. These were a swap from my friend Rebecca! I love them and they really are a great piece to Nashville's wet winter so far.

By the way, when did my hair get this long!?

This hat is my favorite. It is so cozy. I pretty much wear it everyday.

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The winner of the SPLASH Give Away is:

Congrats Kelly!

Current Music:

Sufjan Stevens - Noel

Chandra

Splash Giveaway!

2010-12-08T12:18:00.002-06:00

I'm so excited to be doing my very first give away! I contacted Splash in lovely Saint Louis to do this giveaway specifically for my readers! This Tano clutch is so hot! I wanted to do something special for my readers as a way of saying thank you for supporting my blog!

To enter you must:

1) Leave a comment! (and a way to contact you)

2) Be a Follower!

Bonus points if you:

1) "Like" Modern Day Charm on Facebook.

2) Follow my twitter.

(Leave additional comments with your facebook name//twitter name)

Entries will be accepted until Tuesday, December 14th at 9PM CST.

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ALSO, If you live in the Nashville area, or you're just a huge fan - You can get discounted Nashville Predators tickets through my blog at nashvillepredators.com/chien, offer code: preds"

My Little Black Dress

2010-12-03T15:02:00.003-06:00

The holidays are coming up and that can mean many things. A few of mine: amazing scented Cinnamon and/or peppermint candles, baking, warm scarves, layers, family, home cooked meals, staying in, watching movies, and traveling. I'm taking about a week off to go see my family in Pennsylvania this year and I'm scrambling to jam as many hours as I can pick up at work so I can pay for my bills when I get home!

Last night I went to a senior exhibition for my friends school. It's for their graphic designers to show their portfolios. This year there were only two graduates so it was a quick look. They had free wine, beer and hor'dourves. It was held in the Icon building (a building full of condos that go from anywhere between $180,000 to $5 mil). They were giving tours so we of course, jumped on it. We took a tour of a $400,000 condo that overlooks downtown. I've always wanted to have a loft in some downtown city in the rush of it all but now that things are slowing down for me, the more that a small house sounds even more appealing. If I did have a loft, it wouldn't be like these. My loft would be in a revamped warehouse where I can still blast my music and have tall ceilings and art spaces (one can dream right?). Yes they were beautiful, but I felt like I was in a hotel. They had a pool, lazy river, huge fitness facility, and "camera's literally everywhere." I wouldn't want my house to be like a hotel. I know a few people that live there and I know they're great, just not my thing. It was kind of a realization for me for the most part that it's something that I've stopped aiming for now that I'm figuring myself out a bit more.

(Sweater - BCBGMAXAZRIA, T - Shirt - Home Town Heros (c/o Michelle Fraley), Shorts - F21, Tights - H&M, Thigh Highs - Unknown, Shoes - Urban Outfitters)

I received this sweater in a recent clothing swap and I swear if I could wear it everyday I would. It's so comfortable and warm and goes with just about everything!

My next post will be my very first giveaway and I'm so excited about it! I love that you guys keep reading my little blog and I wanted to do something in return to thank you! Be on the look out!

Current Music : Amy MacDonald - This is the life

xoxo

Chandra

Catching Fire

2010-11-30T10:49:00.000-06:00

Man, It feels good to be back. I love looking forward to reading all your blogs and posting my next one. I get so excited. I've been doing a lot of brainstorming about things I want to have in this new revamp of my blog. I have a few things on paper right now but I'm really excited to put together including my first giveaway and my first featured blogger ever! I may do some music mixes and maybe even some posts with some recipes (I've been really into baking lately). Ideas are definitely a'brewin'.

Lately I've been reading The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins and they've really sucked me in! I can't put it down. I'm on the last book and I've been stalling on finishing it because I don't want them to be over. I read books that either make me think or that take me completely away. This is one of the books that just takes me away. If you're into Harry Potter and books like that, (take-me-away-books) I definitely recommend them. Has anyone else read them? I'm open to suggestions on my next book or series since I'll be done with these soon!!

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My good friend Chris Mullins (his blog and website HERE) took some photos of me the last time he was in Nashville. He' is an amazing photographer that I've secretly obsessed over his work but try to play it cool because he's my friend, haha. Everything but the tights, shoes and hat have been swapped with my friend Michelle Fraley. We both were bored with our closets this summer and although she lives in Cali, we both sent eachother pretty hefty boxes of lovely digs. I was really excited about the jacket because I have/had the same one that walked away and is now missing. It was always my favorite, so it was nice to be able to wear it again.

(Jacket - F21, Dress - F21, Tights - Target, Shoes - UO, Hat - F21)

Leaves!

Current Song:
Bon Iver - Skinny Love

xo
Chandra

A Tennessee Welcome.

2010-11-28T19:33:00.002-06:00

Ahh hello!!!! I'm so excited to be writing and posting again. I had some time left on my little counter but everything got done early so I decided to just go ahead with it!

Nashville has been so good to me, I however had a lot of adjusting to do. I ended up moving rather quickly and sooner than I thought I was going to be. It was about 2 weeks from actual decision time, quiting my job, and then the day of the move.

I've not been able to do hair in a salon yet. My license is still in transition from Missouri to Tennessee, and without a license you can't do hair. Bleh. I am working at a pretty cool restaurant right now though called Sambuca. I'm a hostess and I really love everyone I work with. The manager's couldn't be better and the staff has become a great friends group. I've gotten really close with the girls that I hostess with and they have become sisters. I love having girls in my life again. I live with two great guys which are really great people, but a girl just needs her girl friends sometimes.

So now that I'm here and I'm posting again, I am changing a few things. I've really had to cut back due to a pretty big income cut so I'm not shopping unless it's thrifting or super-sale-clearance style. I also am trying to do only clothing exchanges, hand-me downs and alterations of old clothes. I used to get kinda over whelmed when I went thrifting because it would be like sensory overload, but now that I've kinda made myself get over it, I've been finding some great pieces. This is also good because I started this blog trying to get more creative with my closet and now I'm forced to which has been pretty fun.

(Blazer - F21, Cardigan - F21, Shirt (altered neckline with scissors) - American Eagle, Belt - Target, Jeggings - Target, Scarf - Hollister, Shoes - Thrifted, Purse - Coach (thrifted).

This is one of my favorite casual looks this fall. Blazers can add a little fashion to any outfit for the most part. The dark color scheme looks a little brighter with my scarf. As many of you know, I love layering and textures so this time of year is my favorite.

So also as you can see, the bright red hair didn't last too long, hah! I just didn't feel like myself, even though I liked it at the time. I still have a red in my hair, especially on the ends, but its over all brown.

I am so excited about these shoes!! I've been wanting a pair like these for a while. There is a thrift store right down the street from me that has half off everything in the store on Mondays. I went there with a few friends that were visiting from Saint Louis. I wasn't even looking to buy anything and I swear a light was shining down on them and angles were calling my name, haha. They cost a total of $3.50. SCORE!

Thanksgiving was great. I went to a friends house that is self titled "The Estate." It's the first house I ever stayed in and the first people I met here when I first visited Nashville so it has that homey feeling to me every time I step in it. There were probably close to 20 people that showed up and restored my faith in our generation with the grandeous amount of amazing food.

I just wanted to thank my readers for all the great feedback, comments, and love from all of you. It's been a crazy few months and you're all so awesome for sticking around. Also, THE talented, awesome, handsome, and friendly friend that did my Layout revision was Matt Holman!! I love love love it! Thanks!!!

Current Music: Mumford and Sons - The Cave
x-
Chandra

The final countdown.

2010-11-27T01:05:00.001-06:00

Hey! Hey! HEY!

Over here!

Hey! Remember me?

I remember you! And I've missseeeeddd you!

So check it out.

I'm all settled now in Nashville and I'm having some seriously blogging withdrawls.

So this is what we're going to do....

My new post is going to be the start of something new.

New City. New town. New style. New season.

New blog layout! New blog post!!!

So please... Check back, ay?

Get excited. I know I am!!!!

Chandra

Decisions Decisions

2010-07-30T16:24:00.007-05:00

Hey everyone I need your advice! Spotted Moth is so kind to supply me with a garment. Have you been to their store? (click HERE to check it out) So cute!!! Basically after taking FOREVER to narrow down what I wanted, I couldn't decide (like i said, they're all sooooo cute)! . So here's where I need your help.

Help me pick which piece to get and see me style it here three different ways! I will choose whichever gets the most votes! Then stop by their store and see the darling gems they have.

VOTE

Thanks everyone! I'll close the vote by Monday @ 5pm EST.

Chandra

Stripes and Polka forever!

2010-07-30T00:39:00.003-05:00

Hi! hi! hi!
Bad Blogger here.
I'm so sorry. Thank you all for sticking around.
I ALMOST didn't post today's photos, because for some reason the picture quality didn't turn out the greatest, but as I was catching up on my blog reading, I saw that Tieka of Selective Potential wore this same dress on the same day (which happens to be her birthday so go wish her happy birthday!!)! It's pretty fun to see how we both paired up this dress. Tieka and I have always been blogbuddies so I felt like this situation was totally worth grainy photos.. and hey, I photoshopped them enough to look okay.

So as you can see, I'm a Ginger now! I must say, life on the ginger side has been a lot of fun! It had been a long while since I had updated my hair color, so this was quite a change. So far the response has been mostly good. I've gotten a few of the "ehh... what's that on your head" responses but I love it. I'll definitely be keeping it for a while.

Lot's of exciting things happening lately!

Modern Day Charm was featured on Be In Style! Thank you so much for this lovely write up! I beamed a huge beam when I read this and immediately felt like I should finally update!

Go read her article HERE!

There HAS been a reason why I've not updated a lot lately, which I will tell you in a few weeks! Exciting though, I promise.

STRIPES AND POLKA FOREVER

(Dress- H&M, Tights - H&M, Boots - Bakers, Belt - America Eagle, Flower - H&M)

In this post I'm wearing bakers boots that I got last year, which excitingly enough, I did hair on a shoot for them the other day! It has been an exciting ride being behind the scenes of top shoots and playing with hair and make up all day. I love it.

Chandra

Texture Twist

2010-06-20T17:40:00.001-05:00

Summer has been quite a whirl wind. Last update I talked about getting ready to go to NYC. I unfortunately had to cancel the trip due to lack of funds. Thank you all for supplying me with links and ideas to find a platinum dress! You are all such lovelies!

We have a new addition to our little family here in my tiny apartment! In previous posts, some photos were taken by Cassidy Knight who lives in Michigan. Well... LIVED in Michigan! He is now living with us for the summer! We're all so happy that he is here. He's also a fabulous vegan cook, so here comes healthy food!!

For this post, I tried to mix up my closet a little bit. I was thinking, texture texture texture. Everything in this outfit (minus the belt) is something I've always had hidden in the back of my closet. I thought I'd take them out and try to wear them a different way.

(Dress -Ruby Rocks, Shirt - Charlotte Russe, Belt - Urban Outfitters, Shoes - Borrowed)

Tonight a group of us are going to go see Shakespeare in the Park! It's a free play held every summer where they show a Shakespeare play for a few weekends. This is the last night and we're all going to go lay out a blanket and listen to St. Louians speak Old English while drinking wine with some of the coolest people I've met. I'm pretty excited.

I hope you all have a great fathers day with tons of picnics and memories and/or just a fabulous day!

xoxo

Chandra

Brown and Black

2010-06-13T18:25:00.003-05:00

The big apple NYC trip is coming up for me pretty quickly. Just a few more weeks! I wish I would be able to do some shopping while I'm there, but because it was a fairly quick mandatory trip planned, I feel like I've been swimming in stress of being so broke. I'd, however, take this just because I like my new job so much. I just need to get more clients so I can get back on my feet.

I'm now on the search to find a "platinum" dress for a platinum party I'll be attending while I'm there. Hopefully I can find one not at a "platinum" price and keep it under $20. It should be an amazing experience and quite the sight to see with everyone dressed to the nines in a unison color. For those of you that don't know, along with being a hairstylist, I am also an educator for PureOlogy. NYC is more of a training weekend called Synergy. When I went to Orlando, I was there working at a hair convention.

This weekend has been both over the top and relaxing all at the same time. Friday a few friends and I went to go see POP IS PERSONAL [The gallery of Joseph Cultice] ( look him up on google, he's an amazing photographer from LA/NYC that has shot for pretty much everyone). We went towards the end of the the night. Joseph is a really cool man and ended up coming along with us after his showing to a wine bar called Sashas and then to SOL lounge for a little dancing and drinks. He and a few people ended up coming back to my cute little apartment and we all hung out and talked. I ended up watching the sun come up and after about two hours of sleep I was at work. That night I just stayed in and relaxed.

Sometimes I surprise myself at how random my life can be sometimes. haha. I can only imagine someone actually trying to keep up with me from an outside perspective! I'm so appreciative of all you lovely readers who take the time to ready about my nonstop action life. haha.

Today Kate and I went out back in my ally to take these shots. I'm glad we did it when we had the chance because literally right when we walked back upstairs it started pouring. It's been doing that a lot here lately. High 90's, high humidity, and random thunderstorms. After about 10 minutes of a huge thunderstorm it is now silent with the sun out. I guess Saint Louis gets a little bit of everything.

(Shirt - Forever 21, Skirt, Thrifted, Shoes- Urban Outfitteres, Belt - Vintage)

I've always been someone to wear black and brown together. I never really understood what people find wrong with it. I figure if your browns match for the most part, why not?

Check out this skirt worn as a dress Here!

Lastly, I was asked to do a review for LaShae Jewelry. I picked this ring (cobblestone ring 2).

I absolutely love this ring! It fits amazing and is really really comfortable. I was afraid when I ordered it it would be heavy and it isn't at all. It also came within two days of my order. The only thing I could possibly say negative about this company is that I found the website to be hard navigate through. Other than that, I love love love my ring and It fits my style perfectly. They also have a section for their promise rings if you and your love are into that sorta thing. ;)

Thanks for reading everyone!

xoxo Chandra

Newsies!

2010-06-10T22:17:00.003-05:00

Hello Loves!

First and foremost...

I am so excited to be featured on Beautiful Stranger! The girls on there are such beautiful ladies and amazing bloggers and I'm so happy to be running with them for the title of Are you the next Beautiful Stranger? I'm so excited I'm even up for the running!

Please! If you're a fan of my little space here, go and rate and comment on THIS SITE! I cherish all of your comments and your constant readings!

ALSO:

Modern Day Charm now has a Facebook...

... and Twitter!

Add. Click. Comment. Rate!

SOOOOO now that I've asked three things of you, I'm excited to let you in on a little secret! Modern Day Charm is about to get a FACELIFT! My good friend, Matt Holeman is taking care of me. I can't wait to see what he comes up with.

Now that we're through with business, today I was able to do some hair and make-up for a test shoot for models ready for print and runway! Hopefully this will open some doors for me as far as more print work. Of course being around a shoot with three beautiful 6 foot models all day wearing great pieces made me incredibly inspired. Leather, denim, stilettos, zippers and florals, oh my! Jewlery with spikes, skulls and charms... bracelets think and thin.... sooooo good.

Thank you all for your support! Also... remember you can always ask me anything.

xoxo
Chandra

Weardrobe Spotlight

2010-06-02T09:57:00.003-05:00

WEARDROBE SPOTLIGHT OF THE DAY

For those of you that don't know about weardrobe.com, you should change that today and go check them out! I love clicking there and finding so much inspiration from fellow bloggers and fashionistas out there. You can see my page HERE

Thanks weardrobe.com!

xoxo

Chandra

Andrew Wilkinson Stop Motion !!!!

2010-06-01T20:31:00.003-05:00

EEEP! I'm so excited! Andrew Wilkison made a stop motion video of Kate and I during our shoot yesterday! We had no intention to make it a stop motion, which I think is even better since you can catch how silly we are. I love it and I hope you guys do too!

Kathryn and Chandra from andrew wilkinson on Vimeo.
click the arrows to enlarge :)

It had been three years since Kate and I had a shoot together. Usually it's either her shooting me or me shooting her so we were really excited to have the opportunity to spend the day with such a talented photographer. He took us to this amazing location in Illinois that was seriously soooo breathtaking, as you can see. I feel like I haven't seen beauty like that since I was last in Michigan. You really take it for granted when you are consistently surrounded by traffic and buildings (even though I love that too).

Here are a few other shots taken.

BESTIES!

He told me he was going to be working on some more tonight, so I'll try and post them as I get them :)

xoxo

Chandra

Keep moving

2010-05-31T19:33:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since my last post. In part, I've lost my camera charger and I can't really do a fashion blog without a camera ... (so if anyone has a spare canon powershot charger, let me know!). I've also had so many changes going on that It's hard to keep up with anything but holding on to the rollercoaster!

So... since my last post, I've changed jobs, been to Chicago once and Nashville twice and had many-a-visitors stay in my lovely abode that I've not seen for years and managed to still attend some events here in Saint Louis! I'll be going to Orlando this weekend, and NYC the end of June for work... told you! Crazy!

I'm now working at the amazing salon/studio Studio 703. I have the greatest schedule ever (every other weekend a 4 day weekend) so that I can visit family and friends that live out of state and travel for work, as well as work along some of the greatest talent I've ever seen. Everyone is so supportive and artistically inclined in not only hair, but photography/photo shoots as well. Hopefully, I'll be able to dip my toe into doing hair or make up for fashion photography coming up!

While I was in-between jobs, I decided I wanted to take time to myself to be totally and completely spontaneous. So basically, If anything was thrown my way, I wouldn't hesitate to go or do. This was a challenge for myself because I am such a planner. Turns out, as soon as I made this decision, I was on my way to Chicago to visit some friends and get a new perspective. Chicago was beautiful and I was so happy to be there with familiar faces while meeting new people. Around a week or so later, a friend from Springfield, MO (about 4 hours away) of mine asked me if I wanted to go to Nashville with 2 people I've never met before. Basically they'd be picking me up on their lunch break. I got the call at three in the morning and was on the road that afternoon. I spent about 4 days there. It was exactly what I needed. The people that I know there and met while I was there are some of the most genuine people I've ever met in my life. There is something about Nashville that I never understood before and something that I'm not going to even try and explain because I really can't even begin. But basically the community and how they treat each other is something amazing and beautiful and I've never felt so welcomed into a community like I felt when I was there. So when I got back and Kate said she wanted to go that weekend to see some friends only a few days later, I couldn't say no. We were there only a few days and when I came back I started my new job right away.

With that big stuff covered, I've also been on plenty of picnics, night drives, gaining closer relationships with new friends, connecting to my past (very healing), as see my lovely friends in the band Farewell Flight (so good, check them out) play and let the stay on my floor as well as attend a costumed Studio 54 Party... Whew! I feel like that catches us up.

So the last few days, I've gone on two photoshoots. One with Kate (Photography name: Kathryn Moore) and Andrew Wilkinson... Hence the opportunity to update my fashion blog! Andrew is actually going to make a stop motion video of the day today that I'm super excited to see! I'll make sure I post it on here as soon as I get it!

This outfit was from the Kathryn Moore photoshoot.

(Excuse the squints, she wanted to play with light, so it was really bright out! haha)

(Dress - borrowed, Belt - UO, Boots- Thrifted)

Here is a Kathryn Moore image from this shoot :)

Thanks for being patient everybody!
Have a great memorial day!

xoxo
Chandra

Pins & Needles Fashion Show

2010-05-03T22:14:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone! I'm really excited to feature my good friend Dwight Carter! Dwight is the owner of Rock Uniform Style & PR. He is putting on a Fashion Show this weekend in St. Louis called "Pins & Needles." It is a fashion show dedicated to Rock and Roll! Check it out!

Fashion in St. Louis is an ever building task and I'm so excited to support him in this! He's been putting in a lot of effort and work in helping put St. Louis on the map for a fashion go-to spot. I decided to ask him a few questions to get a look at what something like this entails.

1.Dwight, how long have you been planning fashion shows? When and how did you start out?

I have been planing shows for about 5 years now. I worked on my first big show with Jeff and Mary Clarke. The show was called Threads 4 Hope. The Clarkes run a model management company called Mother Model Management. They ran a model search within the fashion show and I ran the designer search. Im more into the concept development side of fashion shows. I like artistic visuals before, during and after the show.

2.Pins and Needles is an interesting name for a fashion show, did you
create that or did it come from an outside source?

The girls from Lucky You Productions (my Pins & Needles partners) came up with the name.

3.You've certainly created a buzz in Saint Louis for fashion and
entertainment alike, why choose Saint Louis and not any big
fashion/entertainment cities such as LA or NYC?

St. Louis is starting to catch up to the bigger cities as far as fashion is concerned. Incorporating a St. Louis Fashion Week has really helped launch St. Louis into the fashion scene. I was born in St. Louis but love to travel to NYC and Chicago. The designers I see there are no different from the Lindenwood, Stephens and Washington University Students in Missouri. There are also a couple of underground designers that no one has heard of...this was my reason for putting together shows like Project:Design! and Pins & Needles.

4.Marketing for a music/art based atmosphere in Saint Louis has to be
tough, what are some obstacles you've hit and how did you overcome
them?

Getting St. Louis to understand whats going on and support it. I like crazy artistic fashion! Have you ever heard of the book FRUiTS? FRUiTS is filled with cool colorful Japaneese street fashion. I like to mix colors and experiment with my closet. I tend to be interested in designers with odd paterns and shapes. Designers that are out of the norm and max out their creativity. When I put a show together I also like to make the room and the people in room visual eye candy. Pins & Needles has lots of surprises from the beginning till the end. This show will be talked about!

5.Where do you see St. Louis in five or ten years from now regarding
Fashion? What can we do to keep the buzz alive?

I see a ton of designers coming out of St. Louis to be featured in other Fashion Weeks around the country. We need to support our local designer by purchasing their products and supporting them at shows.

I'm so excited to go this weekend. If any of you are in the area, you should head out!

xo
Chandra